LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) Louisiana-Lafayette forward Shawn Long says he is staying in school for his senior season because he believes that gives him the best chance to have a long-lasting NBA career.

The 6-foot-9 Long is a former Mississippi State player who transferred to ULL as a freshman. He averaged 16.4 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Ragin' Cajuns this season and was named to the All-Sun Belt team.

In a statement released by the university, Long says he understood he was a candidate for this summer's NBA draft and made "by no means an easy decision" to finish school after several discussions with coach Bob Marlin, assistant coaches and family.